OPP Press release, 10:20 am Sunday, October 9, 2016

On October 8, 2016 at approximately 3:30pm CST officers from the Atikokan Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a single motor vehicle collision involving a pick-up truck.

The vehicle was travelling eastbound on Little Falls Road in Atikokan and drove through a low concrete barrier, went airborne, and landed in the Atikokan River at Little Falls.

Police and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) attended the scene. It was determined there were four vehicle occupants, and three were subsequently pronounced dead at hospital.

The deceased have been identified as: 32-year-old Danielle BROWN from Lac La Croix First Nation, 30-year-old Charlotte MENSON from Atikokan and 27-year-old Henry BUTTS from Atikokan. As well, a 29-year-old male identified as Tyler HUNTER from Rainy River, was airlifted to Thunder Bay with unknown injuries

Atikokan OPP officers and an OPP Technical Traffic Collision Investigator are currently on scene and the circumstances of the collision are being investigated. Further information will be released once obtained.

The post Crash victims identified appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Mike Ranta’ cross-Canada solo: Week 28

Mike Ranta and Spitzii officially entered Nova Scotia on Thursday, the eighth and final province on their cross-country journey. (Follow him here)

Last week Ranta got off the St. John River – which would have taken him to the Bay of Fundy – at Washademoak Lake in Lower Cambridge, NB, on September 30, and started heading northeast towards Moncton.

He didn’t want anything to do with the legendary Fundy tides, not that he hasn’t had to deal with dramatic tidal changes.

“The river system I was on [Canaan, Petitcodiac] rises and falls three of four feet; it even runs backwards for about six hours a day,” he said.

This system also had considerably less water than the St. John, thanks to a couple of major droughts over the past few years. It was not his favourite.

“The Petitcodiac, especially. They call it the chocolate river because it’s so brown. It has the muddiest banks I’ve ever seen. The whole thing was kind of gross looking…”

When the water ran out, or got too gross, he hooked up his wheels and headed down Highway 112. There are hurricanes coming up the US coast, and from 2014 he knows that will eventually mean bad news for small craft on the Northumberland Strait.

“I figure I’ve got about a five-day window before I have to start worrying about that, so I’m going to be starting early and doing some night paddles once I get onto the Northumberland,” he said Wednesday morning.

He actually reached Moncton late Tuesday; recognizing his need to keep moving Global TV sent out a crew to interview him on the water, and several veterans came out from the Moncton Legion to meet him. He paddled out of Shediac, and out onto the strait Wednesday. Thursday, he paddled under the Confederation bridge, then made a dangerous crossing of Baie Verte to enter Nova Scotia waters.

He’ll paddle the coast as long as conditions permit. (he was on schedule to pass Tatamagouche, where his 2014 trip ended, Friday afternoon). If the water does get rough, he’ll head for the highway.

“There are a couple of different routes I can take once I get to Cape Breton,” he said, adding he hoped to see his aunt and uncle Claudette and Garry, who live in Truro, NS.

“I’m loving it! And I can’t wait to get to Dominion Beach!”

The post Final leg of an improbable trek appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Tuesday, Oct. 11

Mom & Me, 10:30 am, Library

Toddler Story Time, 10:30 am, SunDog

Breastfeeding Awareness Day, 10:30 am, Outdoorsman

Faith Lutheran Food Bank 1-2 pm

Nordic pole walking, 1 pm, LFCC

Council meets 4 pm

Artists’ drop-in, 6-8 pm, ANFC

Witch wreath craft, Library, register 597-4406

Wednesday, Oct. 12

Flanders Rd. North closed, 8:30 am – 4 pm

Mom Fitness, 9:30 am, ANFC

Moms’ Club, 11 am, SunDog

Zumba, 11 am, Pioneer Ctr

Corrections officer recruitment, 1 – 3 pm, AEDC

You + Me = Play, 6:30 pm, Library

Fire Prevention Week open house, Fire hall, 6 pm

Conservation club meets, 7 pm, hatchery

Thursday, Oct. 13

Flanders Rd. North closed, 8:30 am – 4 pm

Resistance bands workout, 1 pm, Riverview UC

Community Glee Club, 4 pm, Riverview UC

Parent-teacher night, AHS (grades 9-12), 5:30 pm, 597-2703

Women for Sobriety, 6 pm, Shelter of Hope

Shelter of Hope dinner, auction, magic show, 6 pm, La Place Rendezvous, FF

Moose lecture, Park naturalist Susan Bourne, 7 pm, Library

Friday, Oct. 14

Mom Fitness, 9:30 am, ANFC

Music & Movement for pre-schoolers, 9:45 am, SunDog

Tai Chi, 11 am, Pioneer Ctr

Chair Yoga, 1 pm, ANFC

Lakehead University visits AHS, 2-3 pm

Teen Movie Night: Ghostbusters, Library, register 597-4406

Sunday, Oct. 16

Open cribbage, 12:45 pm, Legion

Monday, Oct. 17

NorWOSSA: TA at AHS

Small Business Week workshop, Noon, AEDC

Walk & Talk, 1 pm, LFCC

Community Food Bank, 1-2:30 pm

Gentle Yoga, 1:30 – 2 pm, ANFC

Council, 4 pm

Legion Ladies bingo, doors open 5:45 pm

Curling team registration, 6:30 pm, LFCC

Small Business Week Social, 7-9 pm, Atikokan Hotel

Oct. 18 – Small Business Week workshop, 6:30 pm, AEDC

Oct. 19 – Optometrist visits, 1-800-560-8752

NorWest Animal Clinic here,274-7393

Small Business Week workshops, Noon and 6:30 pm, AEDC

Legion general meeting, 7 pm

Oct. 20 – Optometrist visits, 1-800-560-8752

Small Business Week workshops, 9 am and 6:30 pm, AEDC

100^th anniversary of women’s suffrage, wine & cheese, 7 pm, Museum

Oct. 21 – Riverview United welcomes Susan Girard to Ministry, 7 pm

Legal clinic annual meeting, 7;30 pm, Métis Hall, FF

Oct. 23 – St Patrick’s Church bazaar, 1-3 pm

Oct. 26 – Flu shots, 9 am – 4 pm, 597-6871

Mental illness info session, 6 pm, register 597-8781 ext 4

ACES: Duo Hoops, 6:30 pm, AHS

Oct. 27 – NTAB employer breakfast, Copper River Inn, FF, 8 am

Sault College visits AHS, 1-2 pm

Oct. 28 – PD Day, all schools

Flu shots, 9 am – 4 pm, 597-6871

Tai Chi & diabetes tune-up classes cancelled

Hallowe’en Party, 11 am, SunDog

Nov. 1 – Flu shots, 1 – 6:30 pm, 597-6871

Nov. 2 – NorWest Animal Clinic here,274-7393

Optometrist visits, 1-800-560-8752

Nov. 3 – Optometrist visits, 1-800-560-8752

Nov. 5 – UCW Bazaar, 2 pnm, Riverview UC

Nov. 7 – Flu shots, 9 am – 4 pm, 597-6871

Nov. 9 – Conservation club meets, 7 pm, hatchery

Nov. 14 – Legion Ladies bingo, doors open 5:45 pm

Nov. 16 – NorWest Animal Clinic here,274-7393

Nov. 19 – Kiwanis Santa Claus Parade (Theme: Christmas)

Nov. 22 – AES: Irish folk singers Ennis, 7:30 pm, St. Pat’s

Nov. 23 – ACES: Motus O, 6:30 pm, AHS

Nov. 24 – Flu shots, 1 – 4 pm, 597-6871

Nov. 28 – PD Day, all schools

Legion Ladies bingo, doors open 5:45 pm

Nov. 30 – NorWest Animal Clinic here,274-7393

Dec. 5 – Legion Ladies bingo, doors open 5:45 pm

Dec. 19 – Legion Ladies bingo, doors open 5:45 pm

Dec. 24 – Jan. 8 – School Christmas holidays

Jan. 22 – AES: Everything Fitz, 7:30 pm, St. Pat’s

Jan. 26 – ACES: Majinx, 6:30 pm, AHS

Jan. 27 – PD Day, all schools

Feb. 6 – AES: Last Train to Nibroc (Manitoba Theatre Ctr), 7:30 pm, St. Pat’s

Feb. 20 – Family Day

Feb. 28 – ACES: Axis Theatre, 6:30 pm, AHS

Mar. 7 – AES: Confessions of a Red-headed Coffee Shop Girl, 7:30 pm, St. Pat’s

Mar. 11 – 19 – March Break

Apr. 14 – Good Friday

Apr. 24 – AES: Folk quintet Union Duke, 7:30 pm, St. Pat’s

Apr. 26 – ACES: TerZetto, 6:30 pm, AHS

May 2 – Rainy River DSB meets, AHS

May 22 – Victoria Day

June 9 – PD Day, all schools

June 17 – Northwest Catholic DSB meets, St. Pat’s

June 22 – Last day of school

The post Events calendar October 11 forward appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Monday, Oct. 17

NorWOSSA: TA at AHS

Small Business Week workshop, Noon, AEDC

Walk & Talk, 1 pm, LFCC

Community Food Bank, 1-2:30 pm

Gentle Yoga, 1:30 – 2 pm, ANFC

Council, 4 pm

Legion Ladies bingo, doors open 5:45 pm

Curling team registration, 6:30 pm, LFCC

Small Business Week Social, 7-9 pm, Atikokan Hotel

Tuesday, Oct. 18

Mom & Me, 10:30 am, Library

Toddler Story Time, 10:30 am, SunDog

Nordic pole walking, 1 pm, LFCC

Artists’ drop-in, 6-8 pm, ANFC

Small Business Week workshop, 6:30 pm, AEDC

Curling team registration, 6:30 pm, LFCC

Wednesday, Oct. 19

Optometrist visits, 1-800-560-8752

NorWest Animal Clinic here,274-7393

Mom Fitness, 9:30 am, ANFC

Roots for Trees planting ceremony, 11 am, Town Hall

Moms’ Club, 11 am, SunDog

Zumba, 11 am, Pioneer Ctr

You + Me = Play, 6:30 pm, Library

Small Business Week workshops, Noon and 6:30 pm, AEDC

Legion general meeting, 7 pm

Thursday, Oct. 20

Optometrist visits, 1-800-560-8752

Small Business Week workshops, 9 am and 6:30 pm, AEDC

Resistance bands workout, 1 pm, Riverview UC

Community Glee Club, 4 pm, Riverview UC

Women for Sobriety, 6 pm, Shelter of Hope

100^th anniversary of women’s suffrage, wine & cheese, 7 pm, Museum

Friday, Oct. 21

Mom Fitness, 9:30 am, ANFC

Music & Movement for pre-schoolers, 9:45 am, SunDog

Tai Chi, 11 am, Pioneer Ctr

Chair Yoga, 1 pm, ANFC

Riverview United welcomes Susan Girard to Ministry, 7 pm

Legal clinic annual meeting, 7;30 pm, Métis Hall, FF

Sunday, Oct. 23

Open cribbage, 12:45 pm, Legion

St Patrick’s Church bazaar, 1-3 pm

Monday, Oct. 24

Walk & Talk, 1 pm, LFCC

Faith Lutheran Food Bank 1-2 pm

Gentle Yoga, 1:30 – 2 pm, ANFC

Council, 4 pm

Hallowe’en Party, 6-8 pm, St. Pat’s School

Oct. 25 – Northstream Rehab Open house, BBQ, 11 am -3 pm, Industrial Mall

Oct. 26 – Flu shots, 9 am – 4 pm, 597-6871

Recovery & Hope (mental illness info session), 6 pm, register 597-8781 ext 4

ACES: Duo Hoops, 6:30 pm, AHS

Oct. 27 – NTAB employer breakfast, Copper River Inn, FF, 8 am

Sault College visits AHS, 1-2 pm

Oct. 28 – PD Day, all schools

Flu shots, 9 am – 4 pm, 597-6871

Tai Chi & diabetes tune-up classes cancelled

Hallowe’en Party, 11 am, SunDog

Nov. 1 – Flu shots, 1 – 6:30 pm, 597-6871

Nov. 2 – NorWest Animal Clinic here,274-7393

Optometrist visits, 1-800-560-8752

Nov. 3 – Optometrist visits, 1-800-560-8752

Beaten Path Nordic Trails annual meeting, 7 pm, AEDC

Nov. 5 – UCW Bazaar, 2 pnm, Riverview UC

Nov. 7 – Flu shots, 9 am – 4 pm, 597-6871

Nov. 9 – Conservation club meets, 7 pm, hatchery

Nov. 14 – Legion Ladies bingo, doors open 5:45 pm

Nov. 16 – NorWest Animal Clinic here,274-7393

Nov. 19 – Kiwanis Santa Claus Parade (Theme: Christmas)

Nov. 22 – AES: Irish folk singers Ennis, 7:30 pm, St. Pat’s

Nov. 23 – ACES: Motus O, 6:30 pm, AHS

Nov. 24 – Flu shots, 1 – 4 pm, 597-6871

Nov. 28 – PD Day, all schools

Legion Ladies bingo, doors open 5:45 pm

Nov. 30 – NorWest Animal Clinic here,274-7393

Dec. 5 – Legion Ladies bingo, doors open 5:45 pm

Dec. 19 – Legion Ladies bingo, doors open 5:45 pm

Dec. 24 – Jan. 8 – School Christmas holidays

Jan. 22 – AES: Everything Fitz, 7:30 pm, St. Pat’s

Jan. 26 – ACES: Majinx, 6:30 pm, AHS

Jan. 27 – PD Day, all schools

Feb. 6 – AES: Last Train to Nibroc (Manitoba Theatre Ctr), 7:30 pm, St. Pat’s

Feb. 10 – Candlelight Ski, Little Falls RC

Feb. 11 – Chocolate Cup, Nordic trails

Feb. 26 – TransCanada Loppet, Little Falls

Feb. 20 – Family Day

Feb. 28 – ACES: Axis Theatre, 6:30 pm, AHS

Mar. 7 – AES: Confessions of a Red-headed Coffee Shop Girl, 7:30 pm, St. Pat’s

Mar. 11 – 19 – March Break

Apr. 14 – Good Friday

Apr. 24 – AES: Folk quintet Union Duke, 7:30 pm, St. Pat’s

Apr. 26 – ACES: TerZetto, 6:30 pm, AHS

May 2 – Rainy River DSB meets, AHS

May 22 – Victoria Day

June 9 – PD Day, all schools

June 17 – Northwest Catholic DSB meets, St. Pat’s

June 22 – Last day of school

The post Events calendar – October 17 forward appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Katherine Kilchiski, 95, at the Grace Hospice, Winnipeg, on September 17, 2016.

Katherine was born on December 28, 1920 in Fraserwood, MB to John Bartman and Helena Musiy. She was from a family of nine children: Mike, Tony, Stan, John, Michael, Annette, Ruby, and Mary. Within a few years they moved to Winnipeg where, at a young age, Mom was left to care for her two younger sisters.

Katherine married Joseph Kilchiski in 1946 in Winnipeg and two years later moved to Atikokan, Ontario by train. There they settled as pioneers to build a home and raise a family, returning to Winnipeg in 1967.

Her exceptional qualities of warmth, affection, patience, and a positive attitude set a wonderful example for her family and all of those she cared for throughout her life. Her lifelong commitment and passion for caregiving led her to a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Katherine’s truest joy in life was her family.

She will be deeply missed by her children Linda (Pat Calder), Susan (Dan Fenton), Debbie, Pam (Johnny Hovan), and Robbie. She also leaves behind her grandchildren Trevor (Stephanie), Troy (Jane), Krystie (Rafael), Jacquie (Kyle), Jamie (Raegan), Erin, Blair, and nine great grandchildren Mykenah, Raffi, Paetyn, Gabbi, Tyler, Max, Matteo, Cameron, and Quinn.

She was pre-deceased by her son Joey in 1957, husbands Joseph Kilchiski in 1999, and William Dacko in 2014, and by all her siblings.

Respecting her wishes, cremation has taken place and a private interment will follow at a later date. On-line, condolences may be made at www.Bardal.ca

The post Obituary: Katherine Kilchiski appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Michael ‘Spike’ Lambert, 51, on Friday, September 16, 2016. Michael passed away peacefully at the Thunder Bay Regional HSC with his sisters, brother, nephews, and lifelong friends at his side. He will be missed by everybody who knew him.

Michael was born August 31, 1965, was a lifelong resident of Atikokan, and took advantage of all that it had to offer. He enjoyed being outdoors and spent many hours hunting, fishing, golfing, playing hockey, and camping. He had many close friends who he could always count on and enjoyed spending time with them.

Michael is survived by his father Mike Loda (Atikokan), brother Jean Lambert (Atikokan), sisters Gayle Lambert (Thunder Bay), and Joan Lambert (Kenora), nephews and nieces Terry Farmer, Tommy Farmer, Timmy Farmer, Cody Farmer, Chris Lambert, Jasmine Farmer, Miranda and Brad Farmer, and, Nick, Paul and Jackie. Also left behind is his best four-legged friend, Lucy, who was a faithful companion and joy in his life.

Michael was pre-deceased by his mother Nellie, sisters Carla and Gloria, brother Paul, and nephew Donnie.

A celebration of life was held at the Atikokan Legion on September 22, with Shawn Veran, Ed Cornell, Mike Shine, Wayne Learning, Craig Cornell, Ric Kitzul, Brian Ferguson, Doug Busch, Dan Albrecht and Chris Lambert serving as honourary pallbearers.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Atikokan Youth Centre, Box 838, Atikokan, ON  P0T 1C0.

The post Obituary: Michael John ‘Spike’ Lambert appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Becomes second Canadian to bench press 250kg in competition

Joe Lecuyer continues to take the world of powerlifting by storm. His latest accomplishment: winning his division at the 2016 WPC World Cup in Idaho, setting two world records and four Canadian records in the process. He also earned the meet’s best lifter award.

Lecuyer competes in full power meets, wherein a lifter gets three tries in each of three different powerlifting events: a squat lift (he lifted 310 kg at the September 3 World Cup at Idaho Falls), a bench press (245 kg), and a deadlift (310 kg). Lecuyer’s three event total – 865 kg – is an amateur World Powerlifting Congress record for men of his weight class (140 kg+), who lift unassisted (or raw – without a powerlifter suit or other equipment).

At the meet, Lecuyer exercised an option to do a fourth bench press, and succeeded in pressing 250 kg (551 lbs) – another world record.

Each of his lifts was also a Canadian record, as was his total. (He also holds all four Canadian records for the 140 kg weight class; he was a little bigger when he lifted in Idaho.)

The win caps an exceptional 11 months of achievement for the Ignace native, who came to Atikokan in 2011 as a civil engineering technician with the Town.

“I was always a pretty big gym guy in Thunder Bay, and I had friends there who used to encourage me to try these bigger meets,” he said last week. He first broke the 500-pound mark on the bench press in Thunder Bay in 2009, but at that point wasn’t ready to commit to consistent, long-term training (he attended Confederation College and stayed in the city a while after graduating).

When he landed the job here, he started to get serious about lifting, and had soon adopted a disciplined, rigourous program. He went so far as to build his own weight room, a small (10-foot by 10-foot) shed in his yard.

“There really wasn’t a lot when I got here – just some equipment at the high school,” he said.

Lecuyer began lifting at 14 at Ignace HS, and had progressed far beyond what a school training room could offer. (When he arrived, the Moose Hall, long the home of Atikokan’s serious lifters, and Ray Mussely, the leading lifting coach, were both gone.)

He soon had something of a following here, and became known right across Northwestern Ontario for his prowess on the bench press.

Finally, early last year he decided to join the World Powerlifting Congress and start entering major competitions.

“My girlfriend said: ‘You’re not expecting to win, are you?’ I researched what the records were, and I knew what I could do, and so I knew I had a pretty good chance…”

In October, he won his division at the Ontario championship with a total lift of 815 kg (squat 280 kg, bench 230 kg, deadlift 305), and upped that to 840 kg (300 – 240 – 300) in winning the Canadian championship in June.

Lecuyer competes as an amateur, meaning he must submit to a regular drug testing regimen; all his muscle has been earned the hard way, through almost two decades of training.

He’s 33 now, and has no immediate plans to slow down. He recently joined the other powerlifters’ group, the Canadian Powerlifting Union [CPU], and is looking to some of its Manitoba events to keep competing over the next few months. There is a bigger goal, too…

“”The CPU will be hosting the International Powerlifters Federation world championship in Calgary in 2018. I want to be there for that,” he said.

That will be a big test for the athlete; the competition in the CPU is stiffer. Canada’s number one powerlifter, Kelly Branton, holds many of its records. He’s the only other Canadian to reach 250 kg in a competitive raw bench press (his best is 256 kg last December).

He’s got company, now.

The post Lecuyer’s records haul continues at World Cup appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Raymond Labossiere

Raymond (Ray) Labossiere, 92, passed away peacefully, with family at his side, on September 30, 2016 in Winnipeg.

Ray was born in Ste. Rose du Lac, Manitoba, on January 17, 1924, and grew up in Russell. In 1943 he enlisted in the army; his service included eight months as a prisoner of war near Munich, Germany. After the war, Ray settled in Atikokan, where he met and eventually married the love of his life, Beryl. He was employed by Steep Rock Iron Mines for 40 years in its engineering department.

Ray loved to curl, golf, and play badminton, and enjoyed many family ski trips throughout Canada and the U.S. He was a member of the Atikokan Lions Club (and always a willing volunteer in all their projects), and served with the vestry at the Church of the Good Shepherd (Anglican).

In 1987, Ray and Beryl moved to Morden, Manitoba. He and Beryl remained very active throughout their senior years. Ray twice scored holes-in-one at the Minnewasta Golf Club, and the couple were regulars at the the Morden Friendship Centre and St. Thomas Anglican Church. They enjoyed many winters in Mesa, Arizona.

Ray’s faith and determination helped him fight Parkinson’s. Above all, he was always a gentleman; kind, courteous, and humble, he touched many lives with his caring ways.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 65 years, Beryl, daughters Susan (Jeff), and Jayne (Mitch), sons Mark (Jody), and David, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Ray was pre-deceased by his parents (Joseph and Corona), and sisters Lorraine and Della.

A celebration of life was held at Springs Church in Winnipeg on October 7, 2016. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to the Parkinson’s Society of Canada or the charity of your choice.

The post Obituary: Raymond Labossiere appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Alexander (Alex) Luczyk

Alexander (Alex) Luczyk, born December 25, 1922 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, died peacefully in his sleep on September 30, 2016 at Rainycrest, Fort Frances.

Alex was a man very interested in people and will be remembered for his gestures of kindness and generosity. He was fun-loving, talented, and deeply sincere. To the grandchildren, he will always be remembered for his examples of strength and fitness, which he practised rightto the end, and his many “tricks” that no-one could ever figure out. Even animals were his friends in every town where he lived, who recognized his familiar whistle and treats that he carried for them.

Alex was an aircraft engineer; his first job was with Rusty Myers Air Services, then Rainy Lake Airways in Fort Frances, then for the Ministry of Natural Resources in Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay. His family enjoyed outdoor living in northwestern Ontario for most of their life, respecting God’s beautiful creation. He and his wife were known for their cute little houses and beautiful gardens. They were also known for their tremendous hospitality and get togethers for people of all cultures.

Alex kept his Ukrainian culture strong, taking pride in singing with his family, young and old, playing the guitar and teaching his children and grandchildren their roots. Most of all, Alex was a member of the Fort Frances congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, where he believed in God’s promise to resurrect the dead and to restore the earth to a paradise condition.

Alex is survived by his wife, Sadie of 69½ years, sons Greg of Atikokan and Don of Thunder Bay, and daughter, Jo-Ann, of Gatineau, Quebec. Also remaining is his sister, Alice Filgiano in California and many grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved.

Alex was pre-deceased by son Rick.

A funeral service was held October 5 from the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, La Vallee Township, with Brother Greg Scott presiding. Private family interment followed at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Rainy River, Ontario. Online condolences may be offered at www.NorthridgeFuneralHome.com

The post Obituary: Alexander (Alex) Luczyk appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

David Fontana

With great sorrow, the family of David Olav Fontana, 50, announces his passing on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at Rainycrest Long Term Care in Fort Frances, Ontario.

David was born on January 31, 1966 in Fort Frances, to Larry and Betty Fontana. He grew up in Atikokan, attending St. Patrick’s Elementary school and Atikokan High School (Outers 1982-83). After graduation he enrolled at Lakehead University and earned a degree in business administration with a specialty in marketing.

David enjoyed most sports and was especially fond of downhill skiing and water skiing. Hunting and fishing were also among his favourite outdoor activities. His sense of humour stayed with him to the end and he always made sure that those who were with him were part of it. He was not beyond heckling and teasing all of those around him.

He leaves behind his parents Larry and Betty Fontana; brother Mark and wife Tina Fontana and their children Brooke (Alex) Friesen, Nicole (Andrew) Maki and Tyler Fontana; uncles James and wife Margaret Fontana, Morris Wonfor; aunt Glenda (Ken) Addley; cousins Tracey (Guy) Morrish and their son Andrew and Gina (Cam) Keast and their children Riley, Haley and Braedon, Michelle (Luc) Beaulne and their children Alex, Jadelyn and Shaelyn Beaulne, Richard (Pam) Addley and their children Hunter and Paytan Addley and Melissa (Richard) Roy and their children Dominic and Cassie Roy.

David was predeceased by uncle William (Bill) Fontana and aunt Jenny Wonfor.

A memorial mass was held October 14 at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances. The honourary pallbearers were Braedon Keast, Tyler Fontana, Nicole Maki, Brooke Friesen, John Morrison and Doug Ribey. Cremation has taken place and interment will be held in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Fort France.

In lieu of flowers the family gratefully requests that in memoriam donations may be made to a scholarship fund being established in his name, those wishing to contribute may do so by forwarding their donation to Friends of St. Pat’s School, 75 Van Horne Avenue, Suite B, Dryden, ON, P8N 2B2. Receipts will be issued for tax purposes. Online condolences may be made in care of www.GreenFuneralHomeFortFrances.com.

The post Obituary: David Fontana appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Two ANFC programs for at-risk Aboriginal children and youth could be in jeopardy here, Atikokan Native Friendship Board president Allan Bruyere told those assembled for the Centre’s annual general meeting, September 22.

The issue is the number of participants here, and in other small communities, just can’t compare with the program numbers in larger urban centres.

Bruyere said he and board member Bridget Davidson raised their concerns with the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centre (OFIFC), which funds the Akwe: Go (ages 7-12) and Wasa-Nabin (ages 13-18) programs, at its AGM, held in Hamilton earlier this year.

The federation is considering ending its funding for programs with under 20 participants.

“Funders want numbers,” said Bruyere. “In smaller communities like ours, we don’t have the big pile of people like they do in Toronto [where the OFIFC funds five programs for the entire Greater Toronto Area, with a population of nearly six million people.] The numbers game doesn’t work here like Toronto. We explained [to the OFIFC] that we have a smaller community, but those programs are needed – precisely for that reason.”

Fellow board member Roxanne Wensley agreed, adding that children and youth here are especially in need of culturally based supports. “These are programs that are really needed by the teens and kids here,” she said.

“We have explained to our funders that we have a small community, but the programs are needed,” said Bruyere. “Hopefully we can keep them.”

Akwe: Go coordinator MJ Wolfe said her program has 18 registered Aboriginal participants, and the culturally-based support and education the program provides is very valuable to those children and families. It is also used by an additional 18 non-Aboriginal participants, which can take part in the program activities, but cannot be registered under OIFC standards.

This past year’s activities included boys and girls club breakfasts, craft activities (including regalia making), physical activities, daily summer activities such as sports, fishing, nature walks, etc., and outings to PowWows and other cultural activities. Wolfe provides one-on-one counseling to registered clients and their families, tutoring, homework assistance. The program also hosted a drama workshop and provides the breakfast program at both elementary schools.

Its youth counterpart, the Wasa-Nabin program, is geared to providing culturally-based programming to at-risk youth in six key areas: general social supports, youth in care, healthy eating and physical development, education, justice intervention and violence prevention.

Program worker Jacqueline Boileau also works one-on-one with youth and their families to help the young people transition to independent living, apply for jobs (five youth successfully found employment this summer), apply to college. The program also helped two youth successfully apply to attend a youth forum in Hamilton. Boileau also serves as a liaison for youth justice circles.

Activities included regular wilderness outings (hiking, fire-building, swimming, paddling, skiing, etc.), weight room activities, healthy cooking classes and group discussions. Special outings included a haunted cornfield walk, two Pow Wows in the region, zip-lining at Eagle Canyon, a sweat lodge, French Lake trip, attending the Youth Suicide Prevention conference in Toronto, a sharing circle and 4 day canoe trip to White Otter Castle.

The canoe trip provided four youth with the opportunity to experience some class 1 rapids, and the kids did awesomely well, said Boileau. She also took youth to Seine River FN to learn how to set traps and snares (they caught a marten).

Other programs

The ANFC hosts six other programs (each funded by a government agency) for urban Aboriginals.

LifeLong Care, run by Phylis Barr, offers at-home visits, a day program, weekly dining, weekly exercises, transportation to medical appointments for clients, and out-of-town outings for seniors. It also advocates for clients, and operates an equipment loan cupboard. Particularly popular are the Wednesday lunches, which has a long waiting list. (Because of its popularity, it was suggested by an ANFC member that Barr consider splitting up attendees over two weekly lunches, so everyone on the list has a chance to attend. Barr said she would consider that).

Healing and Wellness (coordinated by Jaret Veran), offers men’s sharing circles, a craft program at the Women’s Shelter, a drop-in sharing circle with Akwe:Go and Wasa-nabin programs, peer counseling, home visits, and advocacy. The program hosted a snowshoe-making workshop, a PowWow presentation at St. Pat’s School, a regalia exhibit at the Museum, and a men’s canoe trip in Quetico Park in June was the “highlight of the year”, said Veran.

With Community Action, coordinator Mellisa Gallagher and assistant Karlee Lyght offer ongoing support to families with young children with regular swimming, crafts, parents’ fitness, parents and tots programs, monthly ‘make and take’ classes, and baby food making classes. They also offer cultural and literacy education presentations in the elementary schools and at the library (in partnership with Child & Family Services), parenting support classes, and holiday parties, infant massage at the Northwestern Health Unit, and car seat inspection and training clinics and one-on-one support.

The Canada Pre-natal Nutrition program supports expectant mothers and mothers with babies. Coordinator Terry Sabean provides regular swimming, Mom’s fitness, parenting, healthy pregnancy ‘make and take’ and play date sessions with families, as well as special activities and events in partnership with the CAP program.

Aboriginal Health Outreach offers programs geared to chronic disease management such as Nordic Pole walking, Zumba, Tai Chai, resistance bands exercises, and hockey breakfast program.

Worker Angela Asselin offers one-on-one support and peer counseling, home visits, transportation for medical appointments, and partners with the Family Health Team to provide diabetes education and prevention workshops. She also coordinates special holiday events and special children’s, family and teen activities, along with the AHS hall walking program.

Finally, the ANFC’s Urban Aboriginal Healthy Living program offers moms’ fitness, chair yoga, Healthy Lifestyles ‘make and take’ cooking classes, and one-on-one and group fitness instruction. Fitness instructor Tammy Stamler also partners with other ANFC programs and community agencies in smoking cessation and swimming and Zumba classes.

Board business

The ANFC’s core operations came in well under budget for the year ended March 31, with a surplus of almost $22,000, after spending $887,465 of the $909,355 it received through grants from National Association of Indian Friendship Centres ($148,128), Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres ($404,130), and the Public Health Agency of Canada ($205,104).

The biggest chunk of spending – $596,410 – was on salaries, wages and honouraria; other program related expenses totalled $118,131; $96,800 went to building and occupancy costs; $35,750 to supplies; $21,286 to professional fees; travel costs came to $8,000; building repairs and maintenance expenses to $4,530; and just over $5000 was listed as miscellaneous costs.

ANFC executive director Deloris Veran retired in August, and Carol Stanley is acting in that capacity until the board selects a new ED. It is seeking a candidate with managerial and human resources qualifications and experience, said Bruyere.

The 24 voting members in attendance elected four board members to fill vacancies. Bruyere was re-elected for another term, joined by newcomers Andre Durand, Allison Durand, and Brian Gouliquer. They join continuing directors Bridget Davidson, Roxanne Wensley and Bev Sanden.

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Kay Miller

With great sadness we announce the passing of Kathleen (Kay) Marjorie Miller, 86, at the Kelowna General Hospital on October 8, 2016.

Kathleen was born May 20, 1930 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, one of eight children born to Walter Wach and Marjorie Short. The family moved to Winnipeg and years later relocated to Atikokan to open a small grocery store (Ideal Confectionary). Kathleen followed shortly afterwards and worked alongside her parents.

She met and married Maurice Miller and together they had six children. Kay worked at various jobs throughout the years. She retired from her position as a knife sharpener at the former Pluswood Plant in 1991.

Over the years, Kay collected a library of cookbooks. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family. Kay especially loved to bake and also tried her hand at cake decorating. Her other interests included knitting, needlepoint, ceramics, and, her favourite, paper tole.

Family was near and dear to her heart and Kay loved the time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Kay also devoted time to various organizations and was always willing to help others.

She will be forever missed by her children Judy (Keith Ardelian), Wayne (Lorraine Miller), and Darryl (Desiree Tiburcio); grandchildren Galen, Ryan, Kristine, Mallory, Melissa and Dale, and great grandchildren, Savannah and Jayden. Kay also leaves behind sisters Verna Robertson and Merlene Netterfield and brothers Lawrence Wach, Ernest Walker (her twin), Ronald Walker and Arnold Walker.

She was pre-deceased by husband Maurice, a daughter Merle, sons Dale and Brett, and her brother Leonard Wach.

A celebration of life will be held at the Legion hall in Atikokan on Thursday, October 20, at 1 pm. Memorial donations may be made to the Atikokan General Hospital Foundation.

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PHOTO: Barry Matherly (left), chair of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and Greg Hitchin, chair of the IEDC awards advisory committee present the excellence in economic development gold award to the AEDC, represented here by executive director Garry McKinnon and community development advisor Gord Knowles, for its leadership in the development of the Heart of the Continent geo-tourism project. Knowles was also named the IEDC’s young economic development professional of the year.          (IEDC PHOTO)

By just about any standard, Atikokan is a small, remote town.

But if you have anything to do with economic development, you probably think otherwise these days. The Atikokan Economic Development Corp. has won more accolades for its accomplishments, this time from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

On September 26, the IEDC named Gord Knowles its Young Economic Development Professional of the Year, and presented its Excellence in Economic Development gold award to the AEDC for its leadership in the development of the Heart of Continent geo-tourism website.

“Congratulations to Gordon Knowles. His outstanding achievements and dedicated service to his community go above and beyond to improve the lives of others and honour the economic development profession,” said IEDC chair Barry Matherly (he is also CEO of the Greater Richmond (Virginia) Partnership).

Knowles  earned a similar honour earlier this year from the Economic Developers Council of Ontario.

He was also directly involved in the Heart of the Continent project, the development of its geo-tourism website, and the partnership with National Geographic that gave it immediate credibility with travellers.

“Not only did [the AEDC] work to provide a necessary service to their community, but also, their participation in the awards program sheds light on their stellar projects which other communities can now use a benchmark,” said Matherly, in announcing the Gold Award.

IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year’s most influential leaders. These awards honour organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities.

“The awards process is a thorough, non-biased and multi-layered,” said Matherly. “These are extraordinary accomplishments for all winners, and an overall great effort by all participants. We look forward to next year’s awards competition.”

The Heart of the Continent’s geo-tourism project is a collaborative effort done to stimulate and promote tourism and the ‘outdoor experience’ in northern Ontario and northern Minnesota, using the strength of National Geographic’s brand.

The project is part of the objective of the Heart of the Continent Partnership (HOCP), which formed to bring together members and other local stakeholders to collaborate on non-partisan, bi-national projects. From a regional cooperation of land managers in Canada and the USA, the HOCP has grown into a group fostering tourism, scientific and volunteer projects meant to improve the well-being of both nations.

Atikokan Economic Development Corp. has been a driving force of the HOCP for a number of years and is the central office to its headquarters; their extensive experience with the tourism industry and economic development helps to further the organization and its projects.

The website project brought together stakeholders on both sides of the border who raised in excess of $250,000 to plan and execute the website, mobile application and map. The basis of the project was universal to develop a common identity for the region beyond provincial or national borders, defining the area instead by its geography, its history and its people.

Knowles

The leadership award is designed to recognize outstanding achievement by a young, emerging leader in the economic development profession.

Gord Knowles has served as AEDC community development advisor since 2010. His portfolio includes client coaching, loan disbursal and compliance, community economic development, tourism projects, delivery of employment programs, and community outreach to not-for-profit organizations.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Carleton University, a Certificate in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo, as well as CEcD and Ec.D economic development accreditations. He also holds accreditation as an APEC Certified Business Counsellor and certification through the Community Futures Leadership Institute as both a business analyst and community economic development coordinator.

Knowles sits on the Economic Developers Council of Ontario’s (EDCO) board of directors, and now chairs its professional development committee. He is also chair of the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporation’s youth committee and is a member emeritus of the Atikokan Not-For-Profit Day Care Corp., after serving for six years as treasurer. He is a steering committee member of the Heart of the Continent Partnership and liaises their project coordinator, and locally serves with parent councils at both the Atikokan High School and St. Patrick’s School. In 2015 Gord created Tourism Atikokan, in collaboration with the municipality and Tourism Northern Ontario.

International Economic Development Council

The IEDC is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,700 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members are engaged in the full range of economic development experience. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities and a variety of other institutions. IEDC’s members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions.

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PHOTO: Some of the staff at North Stream Rehabilitation Centre were on hand for an open house at its industrial mall location last week: Medical office administrator Annette Tanner, RPN Brette Cain, occupational therapist Nicola Stubbs, founder Donna Nordstrom (a certified return to work coordinator), OT Julie Bell (she is Nordstrom’s business partner), and OT Joanne Vanderhorst. For details on its services, visit www.NorthStreamRehab.ca, or call 597-6060. Nearly 200 people stopped in during the Centre’s debut. “There was wonderful feedback and we look forward to providing beneficial services to our community and the region,” said Nordstrom.

North Stream Rehabilitation Centre hosted a grand opening at its industrial mall offices October 25, and hopes to answer residents’ questions about its services.

Over the next six months, the centre plans to have a full complement of health providers offering comprehensive rehabilitation for employees recovering from injury or illness. The multi-disciplinary team currently includes three occupational therapists, psychologist, chiropractor, foot care specialist, physiotherapist, and massage therapist. All of them will treat patients at the Atikokan centre (101-C Goodwin St.).

The complete return-to-work rehabilitation service is the only one of its kind in the region outside of Thunder Bay, and having all the services provided under one roof is a unique asset, said owner/operator Donna Nordstrom.

So what makes the services provided here different from the AGH rehab department? Not only is this centre geared specifically to returning employees to work, it is also a privately funded facility, meaning it is not covered by OHIP. Instead, it works with insurance providers and employers in cases of injury or illness, where care is covered by WSIB, employer benefits, or motor vehicle insurance companies.

The centre’s services will help lessen the congestion for provincially funded physio and occupational therapy here, said Nordstrom, and should reduce the need for patients to travel out-of-town for various specialist appointments.

So how did this centre come about?

When Nordstrom made a “pre-retirement move” with husband Kevin Stainthorpe to Atikokan from Manitoba last year, she brought an extensive background in rehabilitation management with her. An internationally certified return-to-work professional (Nordstrom gained her certification through the National Institute of Disability Management and Research), she worked in quality monitoring and inspections for Manitoba Public Insurance, ensuring that rehabilitation program providers were meeting the requirements and needs of their clients.

Actually operating a rehabilitation centre means “looking at it from the other side,” she said.

Most recently, Nordstrom was employed with the RR District Social Services Administration Board’s Atikokan office, when her future dream of opening the centre came into clearer focus.

“In speaking with Brad Beyak at Employment Ontario, I realized the need was there, and the time was now,” she said.

She has consulted with large employers in the region, in communities such as Dryden, Rainy River, Manitou, and Red Lake. “Employers are happy to see us here, because they can send their clients who need [rehabilitation services] to a smaller community rather than a city, which most clients from small communities prefer, plus it’s closer than sending them to Thunder Bay in most cases, and costs less in travel expenses.”

The centre has already recruited three occupational therapists, including part-owner Julie Bell and Joanne Vanderhorst (both who specialize in rehabilitation therapy) and Nicola Stubbs, chiropractor Dr. Nathan Benvenuto of Thunder Bay (he also specializes in orthotics), massage therapist Amber Gilbert, and psychologist Dr. Paul Johnson (and associates, also of Thunder Bay) who will be able to consult with and assess patients in-person and through videoconference.

Foot care RPN Brette Cain has joined the staff, providing foot care and pre-employment drug testing (Nordstrom and medical office administrator Annette Tanner are also being trained to administer the testing).

Bookings are now being taken for occupational therapy, chiropractic and foot care.

The centre still needs to fill full-time positions for a physiotherapist (in the interim, the centre will have the services of a part-time physio) and massage therapist.

The centre will offer treatment for the “body as a whole” said Nordstrom, from the physical injury to any emotional or mental health issues such as anxiety about returning to work or trauma related to the injury.

With the availability of specialized health care providers, there are some services that can benefit the community at large a well: primarily foot care, orthotics, massage therapy, and chiropractic. Those services are not OHIP funded, so no referral is necessary.

In addition to chiropractic, Dr. Benvenuto will take orthotics appointments, and be able to bring in necessary orthotics supplies.

The industrial mall space is still under renovation, but Nordstrom and Tanner have their fingers crossed that everything will be in place for the grand opening. It’s been a major overhaul to create offices for each specialist, as well converting the space into a physiotherapy treatment area and gym.

The centre welcomes questions, said Tanner.

“If people aren’t sure, just call [either 597-6060 or 598-1381] or come to the open house. We hope people come out and get a better idea of how this will work.”

For more information you can also visit www.NorthStreamRehab.ca

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Monday, Oct. 31

Walk & Talk, 1 pm, LFCC

Gentle Yoga, 1:30 – 2 pm, ANFC

Tuesday, Nov. 1

Toddler Story Time, 10:30 am, SunDog

Mom & Me cancelled this week

Service: Guy Kennedy, 1 pm, Little Falls Cemetery

Flu shots, 1 – 6:30 pm, 597-6871

Nordic pole walking, 1 pm, LFCC

Artists’ drop-in, 6-8 pm, ANFC

Make your own heating pad, 6:30 pm, APL (597-4406)

Wednesday, Nov. 2

NorWest Animal Clinic here,274-7393

Optometrist visits, 1-800-560-8752

Mom Fitness, 9:30 am, ANFC

NorWOSSA: Ignace at AHS

Moms’ Club, 11 am, SunDog

Zumba, 11 am, Pioneer Ctr

You + Me = Play, 6:30 pm, Library

Thursday, Nov. 3

Optometrist visits, 1-800-560-8752

NorWOSSA: Rainy River at AHS

Resistance bands workout, 1 pm, Riverview UC

Community Glee Club, 4 pm, Riverview UC

Women for Sobriety, 6 pm, Shelter of Hope

Beaten Path Nordic Trails annual meeting, 7 pm, AEDC

Friday, Nov. 4

Flu shots, 9 am – 4 pm, 597-6871

Mom Fitness, 9:30 am, ANFC

Music & Movement for pre-schoolers, 9:45 am, SunDog

Tai Chi, 11 am, Pioneer Ctr

Chair Yoga, 1 pm, ANFC

St. Pat’s Theatre: Finding Dory, 6;30 pm

Saturday, Nov. 5

Gord Savoy Memorial volleyball tournament (grades 7-8)

Christmas Market, opens, 1 pm, Pictograph Gallery

DIY Pallet Christmas trees, 1 pm, APL (597-4406)

UCW Bazaar, 2 pm, Riverview UC

Sunday, Nov. 6

Open cribbage, 12:45 pm, Legion

Legion Ladies Remembrance Day tea. 2-4 pm

Monday, Nov. 7

Flu shots, 9 am – 4 pm, 597-6871

Walk & Talk, 1 pm, LFCC

Community Food Bank, 1-2:30 pm

Gentle Yoga, 1:30 – 2 pm, ANFC

Council, 4 pm

Legion Ladies bingo, doors open 5:45 pm

Nov. 8 – Mom & Me, 10:30 am, Library

Nov. 9 – Conservation club meets, 7 pm, hatchery

Nov. 10 – Community Food Bank, 1-2:30 pm

Nov. 11 – Remembrance Day service, 10:30 am, Legion Hall

Nov. 12 – Mary & Omer Desaulniers 60^th anniversary, 7-9 pm, Atikokan Hotel

Nov. 14 – Faith Lutheran Food Bank 1-2 pm

Nov. 14-15 – Outers Wilderness First Aid

Nov. 15 – AHS Parent Council meets, 7 pm

Nov. 16 – NorWest Animal Clinic here,274-7393

Managing Your Stress Mindfully, 4 week workshop, 6:30 pm, 597-8781 x4

Nov. 16-17 – Optometrist 1-800-560-8752

Nov. 16 – AHS grade 7-8 [parent teacher night, 5:30 pm, 597-2703

Nov. 19 – Kiwanis Santa Claus Parade (Theme: Christmas)

Nov. 21 – Legion Ladies bingo, doors open 5:45 pm

Nov. 22 – AES: Irish folk singers Ennis, 7:30 pm, St. Pat’s

Nov. 23 – ACES: Motus O, 6:30 pm, AHS

Nov. 24 – Flu shots, 1 – 4 pm, 597-6871

Nov. 27 – Christnmas Art Extravaganza, 10 am – 3 pm, AHS (table rentals 597-2703)

Nov. 28 – PD Day, all schools

Faith Lutheran Food Bank 1-2 pm

Nov. 30 – NorWest Animal Clinic here,274-7393

Long-Term Care Homes Act licensing meeting, 1 pm, AEDC

Dec. 1 – AGH Foundation celebration, 7 pm, AGH extended care wing

Dec. 5 – Legion Ladies bingo, doors open 5:45 pm

Dec. 12 – Faith Lutheran Food Bank 1-2 pm

Dec. 19 – Legion Ladies bingo, doors open 5:45 pm

Dec. 24 – Jan. 8 – School Christmas holidays

Dec. 27 – Faith Lutheran Food Bank 1-2 pm

Jan. 22 – AES: Everything Fitz, 7:30 pm, St. Pat’s

Jan. 26 – ACES: Majinx, 6:30 pm, AHS

Jan. 27 – PD Day, all schools

Feb. 6 – AES: Last Train to Nibroc (Manitoba Theatre Ctr), 7:30 pm, St. Pat’s

Feb. 10 – Candlelight Ski, Little Falls RC

Feb. 11 – Chocolate Cup, Nordic trails

Feb. 25 – TransCanada Loppet, Little Falls

Feb. 20 – Family Day

Feb. 28 – ACES: Axis Theatre, 6:30 pm, AHS

Mar. 7 – AES: Confessions of a Red-headed Coffee Shop Girl, 7:30 pm, St. Pat’s

Mar. 11 – 19 – March Break

Apr. 14 – Good Friday

Apr. 24 – AES: Folk quintet Union Duke, 7:30 pm, St. Pat’s

Apr. 26 – ACES: TerZetto, 6:30 pm, AHS

May 2 – Rainy River DSB meets, AHS

May 22 – Victoria Day

June 9 – PD Day, all schools

June 17 – Northwest Catholic DSB meets, St. Pat’s

June 22 – Last day of school

Aug. 4-6 – Atikokan Ladies Fastball Reunion

The post Events calendar: October 31 forward appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Guy Kennedy

With broken hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Guy Edward Kennedy of Peace River, Alberta, on October 21, 2016 in Edson, Alberta.

Guy was born in Atikokan, but lived all over western Canada as he was growing up. He loved all outdoor activities, but especially fishing – there was never enough time to do this as much as he would have liked to. Another one of his pleasures in life had been playing hockey, a game he loved. Guy worked as a trucker in the oilfields of Alberta, took pride in being good at his job and being a hard worker.

Guy is survived by his parents, Ed Kennedy of Atikokan, Linda Sjonnesen (née Hoard) and Larry Sjonneson of Airdrie, Alberta; daughter Kendra Laberge of Ottawa; brothers Jason Kennedy of Crow’s Nest Pass, Alberta, and Christopher Sjonneson of Airdrie; maternal grandparents Douglas and Marlene Hoard of Atikokan; niece Kimberley Kennedy of Thunder Bay, Ontario; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A graveside internment service will be held at Little Falls Cemetery, Atikokan, on Tuesday, November 1, at 1 pm.

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Louise Luffman

Sadly, the family announces the passing of Louise Florise Marie Luffman (née Tetrault), 84, of Atikokan, Ontario, on October 12, 2016 at the Atikokan General Hospital.

Louise was born February 17, 1932 in Pinewood, Ontario, to Joseph and Marie Tetrault. In her earlier years she worked for numerous camps throughout the area as a cook. She enjoyed cooking, gardening and her flowers. Louise really enjoyed spending time with family, especially her grandsons Lee, Wade, and John. They were her helpers and always there for her.

She will be greatly missed by her daughter Della Harwood (Wayne Cunningham), her grandsons Lee, Wade, and John, her sisters Josie, Roseanne, Laura, Jane, brothers Roger and Laurent and their families.

Louise was pre-deceased by her parentst, husbands Wesley Harwood and Jerry Luffman, three children Claudia, Victor, and Stanley, sisters Theresa, Yvonne, and Edmé, and brother Victor.

As per Louise’s wishes, a private family graveside service will take place at Our Lady of The Way Catholic Cemetery, Pinewood.

If desired, memorial donations may be made in Louise’s memory to the charity of your choice, c/o Northridge Funeral Home (Box 89, Emo, Ontario, P0W 1E0). Online condolences may be offered at www.NorthridgeFuneralHome.com

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PHOTO: A ‘Blue’ Goose, left, showing the dark gray body and the pure white head. Above is the Snow Goose showing the pure white body and head, and the black wing tips.  PHOTOS BY DAVE ELDER

By Mary and Dave Elder

During the Thanksgiving weekend we had a number of calls about two strange geese that were on the lawns around the Riverview Apartments. The two strangers were associated with a small flock of Canada Geese, usual visitors to the lush grassy lawns at this time of year.

The dark gray-bodied birds with pure white heads were Snow Geese; not the regular Snow Geese that are pure white with black wingtips, but a dark colour phase known as “Blue” Geese.

In the early 1900s the white Snow Goose and the dark “Blue” Goose were thought to be separate species. It was not until later, when the Arctic nesting grounds were found, that it was realized they were the same species, with two colour variations.

Snow Geese nest in the Arctic and winter along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana and Texas. Some, due to warmer winters and abundant feed in agricultural fields, now winter as far north as Kansas.

Snow Geese are uncommon migrants over Atikokan in the spring and fall. Most migrate north and south more to the west of here.

The two “Blue” Geese visitors likely became separated from a larger flock and, since geese are very social birds, found the Canada Geese on the lawns and decided to join them. If you watch them closely, you will notice they tend to stay near each other and keep at a bit of a distance from their Canada Geese associates.

Both the Canada Geese and the two Snow (Blue) Geese will stay until the fall weather gets a little harsher. Once their food supply, the grassy lawns,  are snow-covered or even sooner, they will head south.

It was nice to see these visitors as they allowed a relatively close approach for good views. So keep on watching. Fall is a busy time of year for birds and you never know what may turn up.

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MINNESOTA DEPT. LANDS & FORESTS PHOTO

But long-term trend remains bleak

Aerial surveys in Quetico Park suggest the return to ‘real Northern winters’ the past few years has helped the moose population rebound.

October 20, as part of the Public Library’s Fireside Lecture series, Park naturalist Susan Bourne gave a detailed presentation on recent research efforts in this region and in northern Minnesota, where moose populations have fallen precipitously since the year 2000. We also spoke to park biologist Brian Jackson, who assisted Bourne in developing her presentation, but wasn’t at the Fireside Lecture.

The good news in a nutshell: aerial moose surveys in 2010 put Quetico Park’s estimated moose population at 1,205, with very low numbers of calves (12 per 100 cows). Results from the 2015 aerial survey produced a population estimate of 1,362, a better than 10% improvement; also noted was an doubling in calf numbers, to 24 per 100 cows. (A healthy population generally shows 30 calves per 100 cows.)

“The winters of 2013 and 2014 were very cold, with heavy snow. That meant fewer ticks and fewer deer – both of which are good for moose,” said Bourne.

Jackson said areas outside the park – on both sides of the border – have shown similar improvements in moose populations the past few years. How good that is very much depends on how you look at it, he said.

“The optimist sees the population coming back over the past couple of years. But the pessimist will look at the long-term picture, and when you draw population lines starting in the 1990s, the long-term trend is still to many fewer moose,” he said.

“And for Quetico, where the moose population ranged from 2,000 to 2,500 for decades, to see that fall to half that number in less than ten years is still a major concern.”

Northern Minnesota experienced an even more dramatic drop in moose numbers between 1981 and 2013. They disappeared completely in the northwestern corner of the state (from an estimated 4,000 to zero), and were more than halved in the northeastern part of the state (from an estimated 8,160 in 2005 to 2,760 in 2013.)

“If this trend continues, moose will disappear from Minnesota,” said Bourne. And biologists are concerned that what happens there may be repeated here.

Climate change models suggest this entire region will get drier, warmer winters, and it certainly appears this is what we have been experiencing since the early 1990s, at least up until the winter of 2013-2014. Warmer winters mean more deer, and thus more spread of the brain worm they carry. (While it has little effect on deer, it’s fatal for moose.) It also means more deer ticks, one of the biggest winter stressors on moose. (Moose with up to 80,000 deer ticks have been observed here in late winter.) Bourne noted that moose came to North America about 10,000 years ago, and have not yet fully adapted to the presence of these parasites.

Increased deer populations also alters predator – prey relationships. Generally, that means more wolves, which may be contributing to low recruitment (the number of moose that make it to a year old).

All of that said, our understanding of what exactly is causing the upheaval in moose numbers remains uncertain.

“There are still so many unknowns,” said Jackson. “We have seen though, that with warmer winters moose populations crash, and crash quickly. So climate would clearly seem to have something to do with it.”

The state of Minnesota, working with dozens of partners (including Ontario’s MNRF and Ontario Parks), has been making major efforts to study moose in the wild since 1995. Hundreds of moose, mostly cows, have been outfitted with radio collars that allow scientists to track their movement year-round.

The effort has included collars on six moose in Quetico Park. Bourne showed a video that tracked the paths of these moose over a couple of years.

So far, the research hasn’t answered the most pressing question about why moose numbers are falling. But the data is providing terrific detail on how moose use habitat at different times of the year, and in different temperature conditions.

The work is mostly in the data a analysis stage now, said Jackson, with the first papers just starting to come out.

“I think [this research] will give us a better idea of how to best manage moose habitat.”

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Al Albrecht

With great sadness, the family announces the peaceful passing of Al Albrecht after a brief illness, on September 11, 2016, in his 85^th year.

Al was born to Roy and Agatha Albrecht in 1932 in Kandahar, Saskatchewan. He spent his first 17 years growing up on the farm with three sisters and two brothers. He moved to Geraldton, Ontario in 1949 and lived there for four years before moving to Atikokan in 1953 when he was 21. Al worked at Steep Rock Iron Mine until the mine closed. He continued working to dismantle the mine, and eventually at the security gate. Al was the last employee at Steep Rock in Atikokan.

Al lived his life fully and with enthusiasm and was the pillar of his family. Al had a tremendous sense of community and loved Atikokan. He was a long time Lions Club member, hockey and baseball coach, and a member of the Atikokan Legion. Al was a prolific bowler, dart player, and fastball player.

Al is survived by his wife of 55 years Joanne, daughters Cathy and Allyson (Conley Koswan), and son Dan (Michele). Al will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren Ben, Andy, Joey, Carly, and Emily, and great-grandchildren Carter and Roo. Also surviving are sister-in-law Gayle Dutka, nephews Rick and Glen Dutka, sisters Mavis and Rose, and brothers Ralph and Gordon. He was pre-deceased by his parents, sister Stella, and brother-in-law Bill Dutka.

A celebration of Al’s life was held September 15 at the Royal Canadian Legion in Atikokan.

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